By Holly Bruns Every year, sometime between the moderate temperatures of spring and the humid heat of summer, I begin to develop a crush on the white Vinho Verde wines from the Minho region of Portugal. Their easy-going qualities and low alcohol make them perfect for alleviating the heat on those hazy, lazy afternoons. Vinho Verde means green wine, named thusly not because the wine is green, but because it is made to be enjoyed while young. It’s possible however, that the lush, fertile countryside where the vines grow is inspiration for the colourful moniker. Minho is in the north […]
Sol de Andes Syrah, Chateau Fourcas Dumont, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling: Best Cellar Wines in LCBO Vintages Release June 9
By Gaby Israel Here are my best cellar wines for this release as a shopping list that you can print and these are my recommendations in order of preference for an up-to $100 release budget: Great wines under $20 Chile – Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 – $19.95 Maycas has a few wines in this release. According to the producer, in the last decade, the Limarí Valley has experienced an explosive growth, from 93 hectares of vineyards planted in 1995 to 1,667 today. The Limari Valley is sitting at a latitude of 30 degrees south at the north […]
Pork, Peach, Feta Recipe Paired with French Chardonnay
A Short and Tasty Recipe for a Long Summer Day I love the long days of June. I love having 16 sun-soaked hours to enjoy the splendour of Canadian summers and relish the prospect of lots of warmth and sunlight to come. It’s important to enjoy every minute of these days, from sunrise to sunset. Let me suggest a simple recipe for the barbecue that will put a perfect end to your day and start you off on a great summer night, preferably with some friends and a bottle of wine. The recipe I have in mind is Pork, Peach […]
La Vieille Ferme Rose, France: there’s no arguing with it
By Travis Oke I argued like a Frenchman this week and I liked it. A friend of mine (Rugby guy) started quizzing me about the “stupid” offside rule in soccer. He started by asking questions, then ran through some scenarios, and ended off with a firm declarative statement that “soccer would be better without an offside.” He looked at me for a response. I drew a small breath, glanced sideways towards him, and in a superior manner said, “No, you’re wrong.” End of argument. The French are like that. They like their rules and they like to keep them. I […]
The first patio party of the year
I’m glad to announce that I am officially opening my patio. There have been enough warm, sunny afternoons to make me believe that I can safely take my garden furniture out of storage and organize a small get-together. You should do the same. I propose you host an afternoon wine and cheese party so that you can bask with your friends in the spring sunlight, whether it be on your patio or balcony. The cheese platter I have assembled was inspired by the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix, a national competition that celebrates Canadian cheese-making excellence, awarding the best in each […]
Simi Chardonnay, Gerard Bertrand Syrah, Fonseca Port: Best LCBO Wines Vintages Release June 9
Here are my top picks from the June 9 Vintages Release. You can also get all 64 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I’ve also posted my picks for everyday good value wines from the regular list of wines. You can add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of […]
BC and Niagara Wine Regions Excel on World Stage – Bill Good Talk Show
Bill Good is one of my favourite radio talk show hosts. We discussed various wine regions around the world, such as Portgual, Germany, Argentina and Canada’s own Niagara and the Okanagan in BC. We also chatted about how more and more people are learning about wine online and via mobile apps. Pairings also came up … always a subject of interest I am delighted to say! You can listen to our chat below:
Talking Wine with CBC’s John Gushue
On the weekend, we met up with Natalie MacLean, the wine writer; I’ve interviewed her in the past, but not in person. It was great to meet, have a chat and talk about a subject she knows inside out and which I wish I knew a good bit better. On Saturday, we’re publishing my interview (which tees up the Chile and Argentina-focused A Taste of Wine show at the Convention Centre) on cbc.ca/nl … have a look for it. The article includes Natalie’s picks for the top five bargain wines available at the NLC. In the meantime, do check out […]
Dessert Island Wine and Other Celebration Bottles
Award winning journalist go-to person for food and wine lovers and author of Red, White and Drunk All Over What are you up to in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years from now? 10 minutes – drinking pinot noir. 10 months – drinking pinot noir. 10 years – can you guess. Who inspires/inspired you? My mother for her patience and Dorothy Parker for her alcoholic tolerance. Who do you want to inspire? Those who love wine and words. What do you love about yourself? My Teflon liver. What would you change about yourself? My one-track mind. What is your […]
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Liberty School Syrah, Cave Spring Riesling: Best LCBO Wines Vintages Release May 26
Here are my top picks from the May 12 Vintages Release. You can also get all 73 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I’ve also already posted my picks for June 9 Vintages Release. You can also add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of the reviews. 2010 Lingenfelder […]
